Flat out in Neilston

One of the most productive action projects looks to be the community flat in Neilston, Glasgow. Number eight, Madras Place is located in a housing estate. The property has been given by East Renfrewshire council to local residents to transform into a community base, specifically for young people.

World Youth Congress delegates are involved in the design and decoration of the new centre, creating a variety of themed rooms including a Scottish area and an international zone. The décor is inspired by young minds from Neilston and across the globe.

Young people from the WYC were greeted by local children who were keen to get involved. They’re all members of the Young Tenants’ Association, created to give the youth of Neilston a voice of their own in development of the area.

On day one the flat was visited by local MSP Ken McIntosh, who said: “I was delighted to hear of the work going on and am particularly pleased that East Renfrewshire is supporting this international programme.” Other politicians from the area are also expected to visit.

Youth worker Mark Mulhern, who is leading the project, spoke of the fantastic sense of teamwork and friendship which had built up within the group of young people: “from the outside it looks like they’ve known each other for months if not years.”

A Delegate named Basil from Estonia said he was looking forward to “changing something for the better” and having “lots of fun with lots of mess.”

The budget is likely to be around £2,000 and delegates have already spent a lot of it at B&Q – they ordered specialist paint colours to match their design ideas and the project will soon start taking shape.